Norris gets McLaren seat for 2019

Lando Norris will be driving alongside Carlos Sainz for McLaren in the next season for Formula 1 racing.

McLaren F1 boss Zak Brown and the team management was impressed enough with the F2 title contender’s performance in the free practice sessions that they decided to push the youngster to the race seat.

Confirmation about Norris came immediately after the Woking outfit indicated Stoffel Vandoorne will not be in the outfit for 2019.

The British racer has been a part of McLaren young driver programme for last two years and won several races and titles in the junior category. Last year, he won the European F3 title and this year; he is fighting for the F2 title with Mercedes junior George Russell.

Talking about his next adventure, Norris said: “To be announced as a race driver for McLaren is a dream come true. Although I’ve been part of the team for a while now, this is a special moment, one I could only hope would become a reality.

“I’d like to thank the whole team for this amazing opportunity and for believing in me. I’m also extremely grateful for the commitment McLaren has already shown in my development, allowing me to build my experience in a Formula 1 car in both testing and on Fridays during the past two race weekends.”

Team boss Zak Brown added: “We believe Lando is an exciting talent, full of potential, who we’ve very deliberately kept within the McLaren fold for exactly that reason.

“Lando is an integral part of our plan for rebuilding our Formula 1 operation for the future, and he has already developed a strong relationship with the team.

“In Lando and Carlos, we have an impressive duo who, despite their relative youth, hold valuable experience in Formula 1 and with McLaren, and represent the next generation of McLaren drivers to lead the team forward.

“While our short-term focus is fixed on securing the best possible result for the remainder of the 2018 season, we’re also massively motivated by the opportunities that lie ahead.”